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The concept of alexithymia is placed within a process-oriented frame of reference. Process refers to the constantly recurring microprocesses shaping our reality at a particular moment. Empirical referents in the discussion are experiments with patients suffering from Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and anorexia-bulimia. Most experiments imply either reconstruction of microprocesses or manipulations by means of subliminal stimulation. Alexithymic strategies (i.e., avoidance of identification of emotions), were typical of all groups. Speaking in terms of microprocesses, the access of these patients to their preconscious, emotionally colored early phases was more or less blocked. The alexithymic strategy, however, differed between the diagnostic groups. The number of words for emotions available to the patient was not necessarily decisive. It was also tentatively assumed
Dr. Smith is a professor at Lund University, Sweden. He has been a guest researcher at Harvard University, and New York University; he is a Fellow of the APA.
Dr. Johnsson is an assistant professor at Växjö College, Sweden; clinical psychologist, Lund University Hospital; faculty member, Department of Psychology, Lund University, Sweden.
that the alexithymic constrictions might affect more or less extensive aspects of the emotional spectrum.